44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel 07733
732-946-3758
Brochure | Tick Advisory | History
Free Weekend Activities
Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily; extended hours 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Memorial Day-Labor Day
The sights, sounds, and smells of rural Monmouth County in the 1890s have been re-created on 9 acres at Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel Park, Holmdel. Interpreters in period dress show both daily and seasonal agricultural and domestic activities.
Longstreet Farm is open daily year round from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Visitors may enter at their leisure, free of charge. From Memorial Day through Labor Day the farm is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Pets are not allowed within the farm.
The Farmhouse is open weekends and holidays, March through December, from 12-3:30 p.m. or by reservation. For reservations and information, call 732-946-3758.
Other points of interest: Tenant House - This building, across Longstreet Road, was home to the family that worked at Longstreet Farm. During the 1890s, the Hylin family, who emigrated from Ireland, were tenants on the farm. The house is now used for staff offices. c. 1850 with additions.
Holmes-Hendrickson House - Nestled in a grove of trees, this historic museum is operated by the Monmouth County Historical Association. Built in 1754, it provides an excellent example of local Dutch building tradition and a glimpse into the county's colonial past. For more information, please visit the MCHA web site.
The site is maintained as a living historical farm with the purpose of interpreting the agricultural activities in Monmouth County's rural past. This interpretation includes the breeds of animals and crops raised at this site in the 1890s. For your safety, as well as the safety of the animals, we ask that you do not touch or feed the animals. As a general precaution when leaving this site, you are encouraged to wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Longstreet Farm’s mission is to promote an appreciation for Monmouth County farm life at the end of the 19th century, preserving historic structures and practices through interpretive programs and tours. Livestock are an important component of this mission. The farm’s livestock are raised and cared for just as they were in the past – to meet the labor, food, and material needs of the farm. Mules and horses help plow the fields and harvest crops; dairy cows, chickens and pigs provide food to eat; and sheep are raised for meat and wool.
The livestock are well cared for and receive modern veterinary visits to secure their good health and intended use. Periodically, the animals are bred to ensure the health of the historic breeds and to provide visitors with a realistic window into the life cycle of farm animals as it was in the 1890s and as it is today on thousands of small farms across the nation.
When the animals can no longer work toward the educational goals of the farm, they are replaced with animals that can. Farm staff work with local farmers who may prepare the animals for market, or with institutions that may have other uses for the animals. The Park System welcomes placement offers for retired Longstreet Farm livestock. Inquiries may be made to Philip Andras, Park Manager, 732-946-3758. Longstreet Farm Livestock
Throughout the year, Longstreet Farm hosts weekend activities that allow visitors to experience life as it would have been during the 1890s. For additional information on any of these activities, call 732-946-3758.
Upcoming Free Events:
Blacksmith Demonstration
Please check back for upcoming dates.
Head to the blacksmith shop and see this skill in action.
Cookstove Demonstration
Saturday, December 9 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Stop by the out kitchen to see what’s cooking on the wood-fired stove. Discover how recipes, cooking techniques and kitchens have changed since the 1890s.
Piano Ballads from the Turn of the Century*
Saturdays, December 2 & 23 from 1-3 p.m.
*Please note dates are subject to change.
Tap your feet, dance a one-step, or sing along to popular turn-of-the-19th-century ballads as they are played on our farmhouse piano.
The Sounds of Christmas
Sunday, December 10 from 1-3 p.m.
Celebrate the holidays taking a stroll on Longstreet Farm with the backdrop of wistful music as Larry Moser and Mary Nagin play Christmas carols on the hammered dulcimer and fiddle.
Cutting, Splitting and Hewing
Sunday, January 7 from 12-2:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 4 from 12-2:30 p.m.
Wood heated the farmer three times- once when they gathered the wood, once when they split the wood, and final time when they burned the wood. Come out to Longstreet Farm and get warmed up using a two man saw and splitting wedge; learn how farmers used a froe to rive shingles or a broad axe to hew beams.
Sunrise Walk on the Farm
Sunday, January 7 from 7-8 a.m.
There is something magical about sunrise on a farm; a calm, serene moment that brings you peace before you begin your day. We are going to open the grounds early today to allow an opportunity to explore the farm before we start the daily chores. After you have enjoyed a visit to the site, step into the Visitor Center for a hot drink. Please remember that pets are not permitted on the farm.
Parlor Games for Wintry Weather
Sunday, January 28 from 12-2:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 25 from 12-2:30 p.m.
(ages 8 and up, under 18 with adult)
Beat the winter blues - and beat your opponent too! Strategize your best moves while playing Halma and Basilinda, two long-forgotten 1890s board games. We also have old-time favorites like Backgammon, Checkers and Reversi.
Reserve Group Activities
Longstreet Farm has group activities covering a variety of topics relating to agricultural and social history. These programs have been developed for a wide range of age groups. There are fees for all programs listed. For additional information and registration, call 732-946-3758 or write to Longstreet Farm Programs, Monmouth County Park System, 805 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ 07738.
Professional Portrait Photography
Professional portrait photography sessions are subject to fees and require a permit. Professional portrait photography is not permitted on the farm grounds or in facilities during normal hours of operation. Prior arrangements must be made for after-hour photo shoots inside select facilities. Please call our Reservations Office at 732-842-4000, ext. 1, for details.
In accordance with New Jersey’s recently amended Smoke Free Air Act, all Monmouth County parks are now tobacco free. The new ban applies to cigarettes, pipes, cigars, e-cigarettes, and vaporize cigarettes, as well as smokeless tobacco such as snuff and chew.
Directions
- Garden State Parkway to Exit 114. Southbound, turn right onto Red Hill Rd; northbound, turn left onto Red Hill Rd. Follow Red Hill Rd. to Everett Rd., turn right (heading west). Follow Everett Rd. to Roberts Rd., turn left. Follow Roberts Rd. to Longstreet Rd., turn right to Park on left.
- State Hwy. 34 to Roberts Rd. (1.75 miles north of Rt. 520). Southbound, turn left; northbound, turn right. Follow Roberts Rd. to Longstreet Rd., turn left. Park is on left.
- State Hwy. 35 to Holmdel/Keyport Rd. Northbound, turn left; southbound, turn right. Follow Holmdel/Keyport Rd. to Crawfords Corner Rd., turn left. Continue to Longstreet Rd., turn right Park is on right.